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Marzo 10, 2005
Thursday Update
Later this afternoon, President Carlos Mesa will meet with Evo Morales to negotiate an end to the road blockades. There is not much optimism because Morales and his new alliance continue to insist on raising the gas and oil royalties from 18% to 50%. In an interview with a Chilean newspaper, Evo is suggesting that Mesa is preparing to announce a state of siege and that his actions have the look of a "auto-coup".
Over the noon hour, Bolivians assembled in the main plazas of the Department capitals. Reports are still coming in as to the number that attended these rallies. There have been reports of 5,000 - 10,000 in the Plaza Murillo in La Paz. Mesa addressed the crowd in La Paz and indicated that he will not apply "mano dura" to the illegal blockades, rather "mano justa". He also indicated that blockaders will be arrested for not allowing for free transit.
Already in Santa Cruz, the police broke blockades formed by public transportation who were protesting the rise in fares. Mayor Percy Fernandez ordered the breaking of the blockades and 88 drivers were arrested. This may be a sign of things to come.
Posted by eduardo at Marzo 10, 2005 01:20 PM